How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Texas? Find Out With DoNotPay
It is well-known that getting a divorce is stressful and emotionally exhausting. What you may be less aware of is the fact that ending a marriage can be expensive. If you live in Texas and are considering a divorce, you should get all the information before filing the papers.
How much does a divorce cost in Texas? In this article, you can find the answer to that question and other useful information regarding the matter.
What Is the Average Cost of a Divorce in Texas?
According to a survey, the cost of a divorce in Texas is $15,600 on average. It’s not a small price to pay, but it can vary significantly from one case to another.
Here are all the factors that affect the cost of a divorce in the Lone Star State:
- Attorney fees
- Mediation
- Duration
- Court filing fees
- Document preparation
- Child custody professionals fees
- Expert witnesses compensation
Out of all of the items from the list, attorney fees contribute the most. It’s been estimated that the total cost for divorce lawyers in Texas varies from $11,000 to $13,000.
If you want to get a low-cost option, you should consider getting a divorce without a lawyer.
The Cost of a Divorce in Texas Based on the Process Option
Not every divorce costs the same—how much you’re going to pay depends on the process option you choose. In the following table, you can see some of the divorce options and their relative costs:
Process | Explanation | Relative Cost |
DIY divorce | In a DIY divorce, you as the plaintiff (the person who petitions for divorce) are in charge of everything. You have to: | It is the least expensive option |
Mediation | This process involves a third-party mediator who facilitates negotiation between the spouses. They later provide the attorney with a summary, which helps develop a settlement | Mediators charge for their services, but they’re still less expensive than hiring a lawyer and going to court |
Negotiation | Negotiation refers to:
| The cost can vary remarkably depending on the option. If you and your spouse can agree on the important matters without a lawyer’s presence, it can save you a lot of money |
Litigation | In severe cases that include domestic violence, substance abuse, or unwillingness to cooperate, spouses can request the court to make the important decisions for them | It is the most expensive option because it involves both the attorney fees and court fees for litigation |
Collaborative divorce | It refers to settling the divorce outside the court with both of your attorneys present. This method is particularly helpful when there are children and co-parenting matters involved | This option is less expensive than litigation, but the costs can add up if other professionals (such as psychologists or economists) get involved in the process |
Uncontested Divorce in Texas—All You Need To Know
You can file for a divorce in Texas without a lawyer, provided that you and your spouse agree on the important issues. To get an uncontested or friendly divorce, you have to meet other state-imposed requirements, such as:
- Having been a resident of the state where you’re filing for a divorce for at least three months
- Having lived in Texas for at least six months before petitioning for a divorce
To be eligible for an uncontested divorce in Texas, you and your wife or husband have to reach a settlement on the crucial matters, including:
- Child or spousal support
- Child custody
- Division of property, debts, and other financial assets
Do you meet all the criteria? Here’s how to file for a divorce:
- Gather the necessary Texas divorce forms
- Make copies of the documents
- File the uncontested divorce forms with the court at the clerk office in your county
- Serve your spouse with the divorce papers
How Much Are the Divorce-Filing Fees in Texas?
Once you collect and make copies of all the divorce forms, you need to file them with the court. Be prepared to set aside a lot of money for this step—the filing fee can range from $250 to $300 in Texas. If you can’t afford it, you can fill out and submit the Affidavit of Inability to Pay. The court will make a decision based on your financial information, and you may get exempt from paying a filing fee.
Besides the filing fees, you may have to pay copy or service ones as well.
Considering the standard and additional expenses, paying someone to create the document that should finalize the process seems almost extravagant. Pay no more—register for DoNotPay, and we’ll draw up a divorce settlement agreement for you in a breeze!
How To Get a Divorce Settlement Agreement Using DoNotPay
If you need a marital settlement agreement but don’t have the time or knowledge to create it on your own or money to hire a lawyer, you’re in the right place!
DoNotPay uses a comprehensive database of state laws and requirements and can draft this important document stress-free!
All you need to do is open DoNotPay and follow these steps:
- Locate the Divorce Settlement Agreement tool
- Answer our chatbot’s questions regarding your spouse and children (if you have any)
- Give us information about your financial assets
You’ll have a personalized divorce settlement agreement within minutes! Need a notary? Inform us while filling out the questionnaire, and we’ll connect you with one in no time!
Divorces are complicated, so it’s understandable if you have more questions! Visit our learning center to find answers to questions such as:
- How does an online divorce work?
- How can you get a divorce in Austin, Texas?
- Can you get a divorce without going to court?
- Do you need a lawyer if you and your spouse agree on everything?
Are you curious about the divorce cost in other states? DoNotPay has that information about numerous states, including:
Florida | New York | Arkansas |
Kentucky | Tennessee | Oklahoma |
Maryland | Pennsylvania | North Carolina |
Illinois | Michigan | Ohio |
Missouri | Arizona | Florida |
Virginia | New Jersey | Louisiana |
Utah | Colorado | Indiana |
Wisconsin | Minnesota | Wyoming |
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